Faced with deficit of rainfalland low water level in most reservoirs, Karnataka government today warned about another year of dry spell in the state.
"We have discussed about the rainfall in the state so far in the Cabinet, even meteorological department predictionsare not favourable. There are chances, we may face a situation that is worse than last year," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra said.
Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, hesaid, "We have to take precautionary measures, water in reservoirs should be used for drinking purpose only, and water should be provided for standing crops only if there is severe necessity.
"During Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting farmers and general public should be made aware of the water crisis that may occur on lesser prospects of good rains."
Karnataka last year witnessed its "worst" droughtin recent times and the government had already declared 137 taluks as "drought hit".
Pointing out to drinking water shortage, Jayachandra said "water level in almost all the reservoirs in the state other than Narayanapura and Almatti are low". Narayanapura and Almatti reservoirs are full because of good rains in Maharashtra, other than that none ofthe catchment areas whether it is Cauvery or Krishna got good rains.
"Though in Harangi reservoir there is adequate water,but the overall situations is not good."
Government had last week said overall rainfall in the state till first week of August has been 503 mmagainst normal rainfall of 537mm, which is about six per cent less.
Warning of drinking water crisis, he alsoadvised farmers to consider water and rain situation before they go for cropping. Various cabinet committees like the one drinking water among others have been asked to meet and review the situation and take necessary steps.
Karnataka cabinet has also cleared entrusting the workof re-circulation of water at world famous Jog falls to create all season water falls to M/s BRS Ventures Abudhabi.
Jayachandra said, "We had called for expression of
interest for this work, only one company that had come forward was BRS Ventures of B R Shetty."
Noting that government has no financial commitment inthis project, he said "B R Shetty is investing in to theproject because of the personal attachment that he has towardsJog falls."
According to their project report, they will be investing about Rs 450 crore, he had made this expression even during Investors Meet.
"In return BRS Ventures has stated that it will fix a nominal entry fee in consultation with the Jog Management Authority who will be the final deciding authority on this feefixation, he added.
Pointing out that the project will need various clearances like forest, environment and others, Jayachandraalso clarified that it has been clearly told to them thatthere can be no deviation from the project report or anychanges in the name of the falls.
